Let Pups Know You're The Dominant Dog

The Pet Column

April 30, 1989|By JANEY SCHADLICH

OK. You've accepted the responsibility of raising a dog, you've committed yourself to giving it as much time as you can, and you understand that, from your dog's point of view, you and your family are simply two-legged, relatively hairless pack members.

You've tried to establish yourself as the alpha dog of the pack. You've drilled your mate and children on proper dog pack behavior, and, because they love you in spite of your delusions of grandeur, all humor you by accepting your role assignments - all, that is, but your dog.

No matter how hard you try, you can't seem to find that magic key to successful dog training. You want a fool-proof, no-fail "method."

According to Bob Maida of northern Virginia, who specializes in dog training and problem behavior in pets, you're out of luck, "because the only hard and fast rule in dog training is that there are no hard and fast rules and no magic universal approach. Training must be geared to the dog's age, breed temperament, level of sensitivity and, of course, what the dog already has learned or knows. A shy, sensitive sheltie must be worked very differently than an active fox terrier. Then we must consider the dog owner. There are placating owners, owners with no coordination, owners who are too rough or those who are wimpy."

Maida believes you can prevent some major dog training problems by doing a lot of research before choosing a dog. Don't link up with an aggressive, dominant breed if you are a timid, retiring person. If you insist on doing that, the dog will quickly assume the role of pack leader. Don't choose a sensitive pup if you're the overbearing type.

Maida recommends you look at several litters before making a final decision. "You also want to see all the pups in each litter," he says, "so that you can watch them interact with one another and temperament test each one. If you can, pick a breeder who keeps the pups in his house, because these dogs are better socialized."

For a puppy, dominance is established between 8 and 12 weeks of age, and this is when socialization should occur. "A child learns manners between the ages of 4 to 9," says Maida. "A puppy learns them between 4 1/2 and 16 weeks, with its mother being the first and principal teacher. This is a critical time, and after bringing the pup home at 8 weeks of age, I recommend joining an AKC-sanctioned obedience club and entering the pup in a puppy kindergarten program as soon as possible."

Assuming you and your dog are compatible, begin establishing dominance by not allowing your dog to beg from the table. The alpha dog in the pack doesn't share its food with subordinates. Give commands firmly in a confident tone. Verbal corrections, which should sound like menacing growls to your dog, should involve some physical contact such as a sharp tug on the leash or a shake of the collar.

"You want a quick cessation of the undesirable behavior and an immediate show of submission from the dog," says Maida. "The dog should respond by flattening its ears and dropping its tail and giving you an `I'm sorry' or hurt expression. If it continues challenging you or ignoring you, you aren't disciplining it correctly."

Never yell at, kick or hit a dog. Human temper tantrums only frighten and confuse dogs. If, during training, you lose patience with your dog, give it a command you know it will obey and stop the training session on that positive note. Don't begin again until you've regained self-control.

"If you're having problems in your relationship with your dog," says Maida, "ask for help from a professional dog training counselor. After all, you and your dog are both emotional creatures who might benefit from some outside, objective opinions and sound, professional advice. To find a reputable private trainer in your area, check with a local veterinarian."

PET TIP: For additional reading, "The Job Evans Guide to House Training," By Job Michael Evans (Howell Press), and "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend," by the Monks of New Skete (Boston, Little).

Schadlich, a Newport News pet fancier, uses local experts in preparing this column. If you have any questions you can write her in care of Features Department, MP1203, Daily Press, 7505 Warwick Blvd., Newport News 23607.